Experienced.
Proven.
Visionary.
Michelle Jett for Champaign County Executive.
Our County.
When the right person serves as County Executive, the impact is felt every day. It means property tax dollars are invested wisely, to ensure county services are there when you need them. It means roads get repaired on time, animal control responds promptly to community concerns, and zoning decisions support livable communities for all income levels.
A qualified Executive can push for real ethics and transparency, like making county contracts and spending easy for the public to track. The County Executive ensures these services are delivered efficiently, clearly, and in ways that meet the needs of the people, not just what’s easiest politically.
Champaign County includes bustling cities, small towns, family farms, and the campus of one of our country’s premier research universities. An experienced Executive will be able to work with all of these diverse voices to build a stronger county, ready to face new challenges and provide vital services to our residents.
Michelle Jett is running to do exactly that: to make county government work, not just on paper, but in the lives of the people it serves.
“In my time at Champaign County, I have had an opportunity to see firsthand how committed my fellow County employees, appointed department heads, and County-wide elected officials are to serving the public. I believe the role of the County Executive’s Office is to provide administrative support to all County departments and offices, so they may focus on their specialty and provide their services to the best of their ability and resources. That is the philosophy I have in my current role as Director of Administration, and if I have the opportunity to serve as County Executive, it is the philosophy I will continue.”
The Future
Michelle knows that real leadership does not just maintain the status quo: it creates opportunity. That is why she supports forward-thinking solutions like a model accessory dwelling ordinance to expand affordable housing, a countywide landlord registration system to hold negligent landlords accountable, and a property assessment equity review to ensure middle- and low-income residents are not unfairly burdened. She supports a countywide animal control task force to improve coordination and responsiveness, and wants to launch a community-driven task force to explore a comprehensive county-wide response to the domestic violence endemic.
To make these priorities a reality, Michelle believes in collaboration not only across departments, but across party lines. She has a record of working with both parties on the County Board, and she listens carefully to employees, residents, and community partners to build solutions that last. Michelle envisions a county where services are strong, accessible, and equitable, and where government remains accountable to the people it serves.
Meet Michelle
Michelle Jett brings more than a decade of experience in government, including over six years with Champaign County. For the past two and a half years, she has served as Director of Administration in the County Executive’s Office, where she has worked across departments to improve internal systems, expand services, and lead with transparency and integrity. Now, with federal budget cuts threatening critical programs, Michelle understands that the stakes are higher than ever. The County needs experienced, ethical leadership that understands the finances and will fight to preserve the services working families rely on.
Highlights
Alongside current County Executive Summers, Michelle helped manage more than $20 million in ARPA funding, which has already been invested in public health, infrastructure, and local recovery, with another $20 million still to be spent.
Pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus on Local Government from Northern Illinois University. This training strengthens her ability to navigate complex budgets, manage change, and deliver results.
Facilitated the relocation of ten County departments to a new county administrative building with minimal disruption to public service.
Led the effort to digitize election judge training to meet public health needs during COVID.
Supported the DEIA Task Force in launching a review of equitable hiring practices.
Developed a centralized HR division, achieved without increasing the budget, to support all County departments, improving hiring, retention, and day-to-day service for the public.
Developed a position dedicated to seeking grants for county departments and services that is now partially funded by grants and brings new funding sources to meet county needs.
Served as interim Budget Director and interim Facilities Director when the County needed steady, capable leadership.
Endorsements
Countywide Elected Officials
Steve Summers, Champaign County Executive
Champaign County Board Members
Jen Locke, County Board Chair
Elly Hanauer-Friedman, Finance Committee Chair
Emily Rodriguez, Labor Committee Chair
Beth Vanichtheeranont, Policy & Personnel Committee Chair
Jenny Lokshin, Facilities Committee Chair
Eric Thorsland, Environment and Land Use Committee Chair
Stephanie Fortado
Matt Sullard
Daniel Wiggs
JJ Farney, current Republican County Board Member, former Champaign County Auditor and Treasurer/Collector